In the Type-Moon universe, hybrid families like the Tōno clan were not only modern-day financial powerhouses, but also the patriarchal house above several branch families like Kōgamine, Hazama, and Tōzaki. Their influence was immense.
Those who inherited non-human blood—hybrids—often awakened powerful abilities and unique talents. The stronger the bloodline, the stronger the individual. Of course, there were exceptions—if the blood was too diluted, they might be no different from normal humans.
But hybrid bloodlines were only a part of the Type-Moon setting.
What Emiya Shirou didn't know was that, compared to the chaotic tangle of gods, demons, monsters, and mages in Type-Moon, the Dragon World was much simpler. No matter what kind of supernatural power, psychic phenomenon, divine authority, or mystic craft existed—they were all fundamentally dragon-based abilities. And every human family or organization with power was composed of hybrids. Virtually without exception.
"Damn, that's like mutants in Marvel—except it's whole bloodlines that pass it down!" Old Tang said enviously after the explanation. "Hey bro, do you think with how lucky I am during missions, maybe I'll awaken powers too?"
Shirou didn't hesitate to pour cold water on him. "Great power usually comes with a price. Hybrids gain strength, but they also lose something. The more dominant their non-human blood becomes, the more fragile their human morality gets. When the inhuman blood overtakes the human part, they develop what's called a Reversal Impulse."
"In simple terms, they stop being 'human'—and become oni."
Wazhu suddenly became interested. "Fascinating. You Eastern hybrids call such berserkers 'oni'?"
Shirou blinked. Wait—don't they?
…Ah, of course. Wazhu was clearly from Shenzhou, and the concept of "oni" was a distinctly Japanese thing.
According to FGO, the great demon Shuten-dōji of Mt. Ōe even had a divine side—Ibuki-dōji, the child of Yamata-no-Orochi. That meant the origin of "oni blood" could likely be traced back to Orochi itself.
But Shenzhou hybrids wouldn't be carrying blood from "oni" or Orochi. The most likely case would be…
"From the eternal land of Huaxia, dragons herald auspicious signs; for over thousands of years, it has remained unchanged," Wazhu typed with unmistakable pride, even through the screen.
"True dragon bloodlines—are the rightful lineage of Shenzhou."
That… actually made a lot of sense!
Shenzhou had always had deep dragon symbolism. The dragon was its national totem. In the old dynasties, emperors called themselves True Dragon Sons of Heaven. If there wasn't at least some dragon hybrid lineage in that history, it wouldn't add up.
Shirou muttered to himself, What is this, the expanded hybrid lore of the future Tsukihime 2?
"Back to the point—kid, which Eastern hybrid family are you from?" Wazhu's tone turned authoritative.
"…I'm actually Chinese. Not a hybrid. Just a half-baked magus."
"Oh, so your ancestors emigrated?" Wazhu asked.
Shirou responded: "Yep, exactly. Ancestors." (He meant in his past life. No lies there.)
"Magus? You mean those stage trick performers?"
Shirou frowned. He knew that in Type-Moon, Shenzhou also used majutsu (Magecraft), but their system differed from the Western one and involved more abstract concepts like thought diagrams. There wasn't much established lore.
As for Western magecraft, he could explain that. First, one had to develop Majutsu Kairo (Magic Circuits) inside the body—nervous-like paths that drew mana from the external source (Mana) and converted inner vitality (Od) into magical energy. This powered various spells and techniques.
As for the techniques themselves, Shirou only knew the basics: reinforcement and projection. More advanced spells were typically passed down within families in Type-Moon.
Wazhu, however, was intrigued. "Hahaha, interesting! These 'circuits' of yours sound quite similar to our 'meridians'!"
Shirou clapped his hands in agreement. That makes sense! Taoist internal alchemy also had concepts like "refining essence into qi."
The term essence refers to vital energy from both the cosmos and the human body—just like Western magecraft's Mana and Od.
The two of them dove into a passionate discussion about cultivation systems, and the entire chat window started looking like a xianxia forum.
Meanwhile, beginner-Chinese student Old Tang could only stare blankly at the messages.
What's "circulating qi through the breath"? What the hell is "merging qi and spirit" or "dual cultivation of essence and life"? What the hell are you guys even talking about?! I even used Google Translate and I still don't get it!
——
Tang City, Xiangyang, Shenzhou.
In this city stood a palace modeled after the Tang Dynasty—with sweeping eaves and wooden columns, multicolored lanterns hanging from the rafters, casting light on detailed murals of dragons, phoenixes, and cloud-water motifs.
Inside the grand hall, a girl as beautiful as a fairy sat before a computer.
She wore a lavish Tang-style dress, the hem trailing long behind her. Her long hair was loose, her face bare of makeup, cheeks round and delicate, eyes like a painting, and her skin almost translucent.
Not far away, a lean, cold-faced young man in similar attire stood silently by her side.
"Zhou Yuxuan," the girl spoke first, her voice clear and melodious.
"What do you think about that boy's claim of 'circuits'?"
The youth bowed respectfully and said,
"Reporting to Wazhu-sama, his claims are similar to ancient qigong theory. Ji Kang once wrote in the Treatise on Nourishing Life that 'one should regulate breath and nourish the body.'
However, after the Tang and Song dynasties, breath-feeding was proven to be a false path. Internal alchemy can cultivate the spirit, but to strengthen one's power—it's a delusion."
"Rather than chasing alchemy, one should focus on true spellcraft, artifact refinement, and talisman crafting."
In Shenzhou, what they called "true spells" were known in the West as Kotodama—a special ability of dragon-blood hybrids. Kotodama drew on dragon language and script to manipulate elements—a legacy of the Dragonkin.
Another Dragonkin inheritance was Alchemy. In the West, this evolved into the Philosopher's Stone and magical weapons. In Shenzhou, it became refining pills and forging treasures.
As for the so-called mana cultivation or refining qi that Shirou mentioned—none of that existed in this world.
Hybrids with dragon blood typically relied on their inherent advantages or sought to enhance their bloodline through research.
There was no concept of "cultivating strength" to grow stronger.
If one wanted strength, better to do what Siegfried did—bathe in dragon blood. Or use dragon fetus blood, evolution serums, or even elixirs of immortality, all derived from dragons.
"Heh. So you're fully in the 'External Alchemy' camp, huh?" Wazhu chuckled.
"But what if… it's real?"
Zhou Yuxuan was surprised. "You think it's real, Wazhu-sama?"
"—Have you heard of Western alchemy? Recently, a student who studied abroad at Kassel came back spreading rumors that Kassel Academy launched something called the Nibelungen Project—it supposedly implants alchemical matrices throughout the human body, much like Daoist tattoos, and can stably enhance bloodlines."
Zhou Yuxuan's eyes widened slightly. "I think someone from the Chen clan said something similar… So this 'magic circuit' is that matrix? It actually exists?"
The moment he mentioned "Chen clan," a flicker of veiled disgust crossed Wazhu's eyes.
"Whether it's real or not… we'll find out soon enough."
(End of Chapter)
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